4月8日

論任賢
唐 李世民 ( 599~649 )

以銅為鏡，可以正衣冠；
以古為鏡，可以知興替；
以人為鏡，可以明得失。
朕常保此三鏡，以防己過。

──選自《貞觀政要》

April 8th

Employing Able Men
Li Shimin (599 - 649, Tang Dynasty)
English translation: Miao Guang

The reflection of a bronze mirror allows one to
straighten his attire; the reflection of the past allows
one to witness the rise and fall of sovereigns; and the
reflection of other people allows one to understand
the meaning of success and failure. I, the emperor,
constantly take on these three reflections to avoid
being at fault.

── from Zhenguan Zhengyao (Essentials of Government in the Zhenguang Period)